I loved my ecoballs when I first got them but after not very long they made all my washing smell really musty and the same thing happened to all the people I recommended them to aswell.

I've never found a washing liquid that I really love, that makes my washing smell fresh, so I'll be watching this thread with interest. We use BioD for both washing and softener (I had never used softener until the PPK made me, I don't think it makes any difference, at least the BioD doesn't), and it does the job in that it gets things clean, but no nice smell.

I've never found a washing liquid that I really love, that makes my washing smell fresh, so I'll be watching this thread with interest. We use BioD for both washing and softener (I had never used softener until the PPK made me, I don't think it makes any difference, at least the BioD doesn't), and it does the job in that it gets things clean, but no nice smell.

The HFS near me doesn't stock BioD anymore because they don't think the quality is good enough, and I've been told the same thing by a professional cleaner. At the Oxfam I volunteer at, we sometimes get BioD stuff turn up half-full with the lids not done up properly and our regional manager joked that they probably sit around putting the lids on things during their meetings because they're such a small company with such a lot of product.

They're a company I really want to like, but they are just too slapdash.

I buy their surface spray, though, but it's possible I just like the smell...

_________________Moon - "This is the best recipe in the history of recipes forever."

I got the unscented laundry liquid from this crowd http://www.lillysecoclean.com/ because it was in my local HFS. I've tried it on one wash but haven't inspected the clothes yet to judge whether it works alright or what.

We've been using Liquid Soap Flakes (found it at Waitrose) and have been pleased. Before that, we used Faith in Nature/Clearspring, but lately the quality seemed to have gone down. Method also nice, but pricey and couldn't get the non-perfumey kind locally. Tried soap nuts for awhile too and liked them for general laundry, but not good for anything very soiled.

I hope those balls keep working for you. I adored them at first but everything went musty and stinky after a bit.

I've heard that about them. I've noticed that if I don't use softener in my machine my clothes start to smell rank after a while, it must be something to do with a build up in the machine. Maybe using the eco balls with a softener to follow would work.

In case you're looking for other suggestions I like all the 'Simply' stuff I've tried (the powder ball things in bio and non-bio, and the liquid). The liquid 'Simply colour jel' smells the nicest, but you have to dilute it with hot water if you're doing a short cold wash otherwise it clumps up rather than dissolving.

Thanks! Looks like they are actually available from where I get my shopping so I have them added to my basket for the next shop. I need to keep something around for a more heavy duty wash since I often end up with mud all over my clothes thanks to an insane dog.

All co-op own brand cleaning and laundry products (from what I could see in my shop today) are labelled as having no animal ingredients, and are BUAV approved. If you'd prefer something organic and natural though, have you used Dr.Bronner's liquid soaps? You can dilute them to use as laundry detergent, floor cleaner etc. and they're pretty effective.

All co-op own brand cleaning and laundry products (from what I could see in my shop today) are labelled as having no animal ingredients, and are BUAV approved. If you'd prefer something organic and natural though, have you used Dr.Bronner's liquid soaps? You can dilute them to use as laundry detergent, floor cleaner etc. and they're pretty effective.

Yes! I have started using their ecological softener and I quite like it so far :D

I've also started using the lint balls from the same people who make the eco balls to try and collect some of the tons of cat hair that seems to always be on my clothes, they seem quite good, but I now only have 2 balls rather than 3 because one of the damn kittens has stolen one and stashed it somewhere!

I've recently discovered Attitude laundry liquid and conditioner in a HFS and really like it. I've only tried the 'yang-ylang & tangerine' so far but it smells lovely and the scent lingers nicely on the clothes which I've not noticed with anything else I've used in recent years.

I've also been using Method laundry liquid for a while and am pleased with it. I like the ease of the pump dispenser, the fact they do refills (only seen them online so far) and because it's so concentrated it's in a small bottle and lasts for ages (so less lugging heavy stuff around from the shops) but strangely they don't seem to do a softener.

All co-op own brand cleaning and laundry products (from what I could see in my shop today) are labelled as having no animal ingredients, and are BUAV approved. If you'd prefer something organic and natural though, have you used Dr.Bronner's liquid soaps? You can dilute them to use as laundry detergent, floor cleaner etc. and they're pretty effective.

Yes! I have started using their ecological softener and I quite like it so far :D

I've also started using the lint balls from the same people who make the eco balls to try and collect some of the tons of cat hair that seems to always be on my clothes, they seem quite good, but I now only have 2 balls rather than 3 because one of the damn kittens has stolen one and stashed it somewhere!

Oh brilliant! Next time I have money I will invest in them. I am constantly wearing dog fur.

I have some of those textured ball things (mine came in a pack of 6-8) but I worry about them damaging some fabrics so rarely use them and am careful what I will put in with them. Has anyone had a problem with that or am I just being paranoid?

I have some of those textured ball things (mine came in a pack of 6-8) but I worry about them damaging some fabrics so rarely use them and am careful what I will put in with them. Has anyone had a problem with that or am I just being paranoid?

You shouldn't put them in with delicates - I forgot and spent forever picking one out of some knickers when I first had them, but they're great on things like T shirts and any thing cottony.